Business marks 30th anniversary
Thirty years is a long time to be in business at one location but it doesn’t seem that way to Mack and Karen Gardner, owners of Mack’s by the Trax paint and body shop on East Main Street in Hartselle.
“It makes me happy to do something that makes other people happy,” Mack said. “I’m proud to say that I’m now fixing cars of the grandkids of customers I had when I started in this location back in 1980.
Gardner started his career as a 17-year-old more than 50-years ago and opened his own business in the old Sid Frances store building before relocating downtown. Back then he used a block and tackle attached to shade trees to straighten the frame of a wrecked car. Today, his shop is equipped with the latest body and paint shop equipment, including a Chief Easy Liner machine. Plus, their business has grown from a combination office and shop building to five buildings, and they have a staff of five employees.
They have two full-time auto body technicians: John Shipp, 27 years; David Atkins, 15 years; paint technician Jeff Vice, 15 years; and Tom Smart, part-time cleanup custodian Donna Pepper is an administrative assistant and Karen is office manager and estimator.
Gardner said the biggest change he has seen in the auto body repair business is the cost of supplies and materials.
“Thirty years ago we were painting cars for $300,” Mack said. “Today, the cost is closer to $1,500.”
“However,” he added. “We have a state-of-the- art painting booth and the painting we do is guaranteed for as long as the customer has the vehicle.”
“When we get in a wrecked vehicle, we try to bring peace out of chaos,” said Karen. “We help the owner sort things out, guide him in what he needs to do next and work closely with the insurance adjuster.”
“We bend over backwards to make our customers happy,” she added. “And it’s not unusual for them to say thank you by bringing us fresh vegetables in the summertime and gifts at Christmastime.”
Graphic courtesy of Morgan County Board of Registrars. Mayor Dwight Tankersley congratulates Mack Gardner on being in business for 30 years.
